As winter arrives, you may look forward to winter activities such as skiing, ice skating or snowboarding. However, the loud noise from some of these activities can damage your ears. Low temperatures can also lead to some unexpected conditions. So, read on to learn how to protect your hearing and your ears this winter.
Bundle Up and Cover Your Ears
As winter sets in, it is essential to protect your ears. Exposing them to chilly winds can cause frostbite and discomfort, and even long-term damage. To shield your ears, you can cover them with earmuffs. Alternatively, a hat can do the same job. Just make sure the fabric is breathable, so you stay comfortable.
Keep Excess Water Out of Your Ears
When you step out into cold, wet weather, moisture can affect your ear health. Sometimes water can collect in the ear canal if ear wax blocks it. This can then lead to otitis externa, an infection of the ear canal. In fact, some of our patients suffer from a condition known as ‘swimmer’s ear’. This causes inflammation, irritation or infection of the ear canal. So, as part of caring for your ears, keep excess water out.
To dry your ears safely:
- Use a cloth to gently clean the entrance of the ear canal.
- Use an absorbent ear wick to dry excess moisture in the ear canal.
- Try to avoid using cotton buds.
- Alternatively, tilt your head sideways and gently pull your earlobe.
- You can also use a hairdryer set at a low speed to dry the ear canal.
Wear Ear Protection to Protect Your Hearing
Ear protection is very important in loud environments. For example, if you are going to a rock concert or a gig, it is important to protect your hearing.
Wearing earmuffs in cold weather can also protect your ears. The ear canal contains a large number of touch, temperature and pain receptors. Changes in temperature can easily trigger them, especially in cold weather.
Keep Your Ears Dry
Moisture in the ears can lead to discomfort or infections. This is especially likely when you are outdoors and it has been raining for a long time. In this case, keep your ears dry with a towel or an absorbent cloth. If you are going to swim in cold water, we suggest waterproof earplugs. These stop water getting in and prevent irritation during the winter months.
Avoid Direct Exposure to Cold Air
Cold air can harm your ears, especially if they stay exposed for long periods. So, to protect your ears, cover them with a headband or a hat when you are out in the cold.
Eat Healthy and Keep Your Immune System Fit
A healthy immune system plays a vital role in protecting your ears. To boost your immune system, choose foods rich in vitamin C, antioxidants and zinc. These foods can help your body fight off colds and ear infections. In addition, drink plenty of water during the winter season.
Keep Your Ears Warm
Continuous exposure to low temperatures can lead to a condition called exostosis. People also call this condition ‘surfer’s ear’. Over time, it can lead to abnormal bone growth in the ear canal. Besides ear infections, exostosis can also cause hearing loss, and complications can arise later. So, wear earmuffs or a cap that covers your ears completely. However, make sure you can still hear people speaking around you.
Stay Away From Loud Noises to Protect Your Hearing
During winter activities, it is critical to shield your ears from harsh noises. This is because constant exposure to loud noise can lead to hearing loss. Thus, avoid standing near loud noise sources. To protect your hearing, you should also lower the volume on your headphones. In addition, keep away from any unnecessary exposure to loud noise.
Protect Your Hearing Aids in Winter
If you use hearing aids, take extra care of them during winter. Cold weather and moisture can damage the components of these devices. So, store them in a dry place when you are not using them. You should also use a hearing aid dehumidifier to remove any build-up of moisture. If you have spent time in wet weather outdoors, wear earmuffs to keep your hearing aids dry. Finally, check the batteries to make sure your hearing aids work at their best.
Schedule Regular Hearing Checkups
Regular ear checks at a clinic can help pick up any changes in your hearing. In fact, a regular checkup is always a good way to stay on top of your ear health. If your audiologist detects hearing loss early, you are in a better position to make decisions about your hearing health.
Conclusion: How to Protect Your Hearing This Winter
Winter activities are great fun, but it is important to protect your ears while you enjoy them. By following the tips above, you can protect your hearing and stay safe during the winter season.
If ear wax is causing you discomfort, why not contact an Ear Wax Specialist? Our experienced audiologists use endoscopic microsuction to remove even the most difficult earwax. You can also watch the procedure live, so you have peace of mind that all the ear wax is gone.
Afterwards, our friendly team will carry out tympanometry to check how well your eardrum moves. We then complete a hearing test to make sure there is no underlying hearing loss.
For patients who need hearing aids, we also provide free, extensive hearing aid trials. If you need hearing aids in Sutton Coldfield, visit our Sutton Coldfield hearing aids page.
FAQs: How to Protect Your Hearing and Ears in Winter
How Do You Protect Your Ears From the Cold?
To protect your ears during a harsh winter, you need to cover them. Wearing a hat or a woolly scarf that covers your ears completely is always sensible. In particular, materials like wool are ideal for warmth.
Why Are My Ears So Sensitive to Cold Air?
Your ears are sensitive to cold weather because a very thin squamous epithelium lines the ear canal. It does not offer the same natural protection as the rest of your skin. In addition, cold air can make the blood vessels constrict, which eventually leads to pain and discomfort. However, if you protect your ears well, they will cope better with changes in temperature.
How Do You Ease Ear Pain From a Cold?
If you have ear pain in cold weather, apply a warm compress to the affected ear. This can reduce discomfort and help open up a blocked ear canal. Additionally, you can take pain relievers to manage the pain.
Why Are My Ears So Sensitive to Wind?
Your ears are sensitive to wind because the skin around them is thin. The area also has less protection than other parts of the body. So, wind can dry your ears out. As a result, you may feel irritation and discomfort.
What Are the Remedies for Earache Due to Wind?
To reduce cold weather earache, protect your ears with earmuffs or a hat. A warm compress can also ease ear pain and discomfort from the cold. Furthermore, the warmth can improve blood circulation around the ear.
Should I Cover My Ears in Winter?
Yes, it is always worth covering your ears in the winter months. This helps protect them from the harsh climate and wet weather. To protect them effectively, consider wearing earmuffs or a hat.
How Do You Protect Your Ears in the Winter?
To protect your ears in winter, keep them warm and shield them from wind and moisture. For example, woollen earmuffs or scarves act as a barrier. Keeping your ears dry and covered also helps prevent frostbite and other problems.
How Can I Keep My Ears Warm in the Cold?
Whenever you want to keep your ears warm in the cold, wear earmuffs or a headband. In addition, hoods or scarves can offer extra protection. Once your ears are warm, you should avoid most cold-related problems.